SQM Reader
SQM Reader is a free program that reads and displays data from Unihedron's Sky Quality Meters (models SQM-LE, SQM-LU and SQM-LR) using the Ethernet connection, USB or serial port on your computer (see Release Notes below.) Sky Quality Meters are available from Unihedron or any of its dealers worldwide.
SQM Reader does not calibrate the Sky Quality Meter or alter its accuracy. Please consult your SQM User's Manual to configure the device.
SQM Reader is provided free of charge by Knightware, makers of Deep-Sky Planner.
SQM Reader works with Windows 7, Vista, XP, or 2000. It has been tested on 32-bit editions of Windows 7, Vista SP2, Windows XP SP3 and Windows 2000 SP4.
A Knowledegebase article describes installing the COM port driver for the SQM-LU.
Note: A user reports using SQM Reader successfully with Windows 98. The Tahoma Bold TrueType font had to be installed (TAHOMABD.TTF).
Release Notes
SQM Reader uses your computer's Ethernet connection to communicate with the SQM-LE, or a USB port to communicate with the SQM-LU, or a 9-pin serial port to communicate with the SQM-LR.
SQM-LE users can read the meter over a network or use an Ethernet crossover cable to read the meter directly. The first time that you attempt to read your SQM-LE using this program, your security software may notify you that SQM Reader is attempting to access the Internet. You will need to permit the program to access the Internet to perform the reading. SQM Reader communicates only with the IP address (or host name) and port that you enter into the program.
SQM-LU users can read the meter using a USB cable, and SQM-LR users can read the meter using a 9-pin serial cable.
SQM Reader can be used to read a device on demand (Read Now button as shown above), or to read a device continuously every few minutes (Read Every button.) Readings can be stored in a comma separated value format file and subsequently imported into a spreadsheet program.
Windows 7 and Vista users will notice that when the SQM Reader is minimized to the task bar, the reading is large enough to read in the thumbnail preview that is shown when you hover your cursor over the SQM Reader task bar button.
Updates
Version 1.3.2 adds support for COM ports up to COM16. This version is digitally signed by Knightware.
Version 1.3.1 adds support for the SQM-LU and SQM-LR models. This version has been tested with Windows 7. It works with administrative or standard accounts with UAC enabled. This version is digitally signed by Knightware.
Version 1.2.2 addresses a problem in previous versions:
You may have received an Access Violation when triggering a hint by mousing over controls on the main window while using remote PC control such as LogMeIn, RADMIN, UltraVNC or pcAnywhere.
Version 1.2.1 addresses a problem in previous versions:
If your Windows Regional Settings do not use a period '.' as the decimal separator character, you may receive the error message 'The reading returned from the SQM-LE is not valid' when reading the SQM-LE. This has been fixed in version 1.2.1. Uninstall any previous version and install the latest version.